Orion 15 28/6

[David Murphy]

Does anyone here have experience with this lens ? I've heard a bit of good and bad, and have seen a few interesting pictures posted, but detailed shooting results or test results are scant. One of the virtures of the Orion 15 seems to be low price (for a 28mm LTM lens).

[John Robertson]

Prices may be low compared to a Leitz 28mm, but for a decent one the prices are high for a FSU lens.
I've had nime for nearly 40yrs, I used it with my Fed2,later with my Leicas and still occasionally use it with my Bessa. Camera Quest site states incorrectly that it does not fit the Bessa, it does! Mine is very sharp and distortion free and still in mint condition. I don't do lengthy tests of my lenses, either I like the image they give or I don't. I'm not into shooting test charts or brick walls!!!
A really good one is now difficult to find, Fedka is your best chance.

http://www.fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=421

Note that it says the filter size is 49mm, that is incorrect. The LTM version is 40.5mm filter size, the Kiev version is 49mm.

The rarest ones are the Kiev fit version. (its not r/f coupled)
As I now have a CV Ultron 28 f1.9, I don't use the Orion quite so often. If you can find a good one you will enjoy it.

[VinceC]

Excellent lens. I used it quite a while with uncoupled Kiev/Contax mount until I got a Nikkor that was 1-2/3 stops faster.

Sharp. Good contrast. Good flare control. Acceptible vignetting that's on par with other designs from the '50s-'60s.

[John Robertson]

I meant to add this site.
Its the lens manufacturers site(unfortunately in Russian!)
but it shows the unusual optical construction.

http://www.zenit.istra.ru/archive/lenses/orion-15.html

[Kim Coxon]

I have serviced one for another member and in the process ran a test roll with it. It wasn't very good at f6 but from f8 onwards, the results were quite good. It's biggest disadvantage is the price for such a slow lens. IMHO, they are only worth buying if you want to fill a hole in the collection. If you can get one for $100-125 it would be OK but typically they seem to go for the $200 and Fedka normaly charges about $250. For very little more than this ie $285, you can get a new CV 28/3.5 Color-Skopar ans second user about $200. At these prices, the Orion is very poor value.

Kim

[VinceC]

I agree they're not a good value. I bought mine for about $100 at a photoshow in Germany in 1991 as the Soviet Union was ending. It's main advantage was that it is tiny and weighs nothing compared to the heavy chrome and brass Nikkor 28mm lens. It made an SP as compact as a point and shoot. I eventually got a black barrel Nikkor 28, which also is extremely light with better image quality.

[John Robertson]

Found an Orion shot to post from last winter.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=43812&cat=6282

Also found original receipt for mine in 1967. £21. !!!

[raid]

Instead, consider a Canon 28mm/3.5. The Canon lens is optically better than the Orion and it is at the same price in many cases.


Raid

[reagan]

I don't have any other 28s to compare it to and true, price is usually too high. My Orion was purchased at a decent [not bargain] price and I enjoy it quite a bit - no complaints. f6.3 is way slow for the money, but so far, I haven't needed faster. IMO the 28mm is a fun-to-use length.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=37865&cat=500&ppuser=1620

[John Robertson]

I have had three R/F 28's, its almost my standard lens!
I now mostly use the Ultron f1.9, its very sharp and does let me shoot in lower light, but it is bulky.
I like the Orion, mine is very sharp even wide open, and fitted to my Fed2, or Zaria, will slip into a coat pocket.
I also had until very recently a late coated Leitz f6.3 28mm Hektor, my advice on this one is, don't bother, leave it to the wealthy collectors, like the one who paid way too much for mine!! The Orion is a lot sharper, but no doubt the Leica mafia will now have me on their hit list. for saying this.:rolleyes: